Why can you only read the Time Machine backup on the computer that generated it?
My Early 2008 iMac started to fail (would restart spontaneously without being requested); but, I was able to successfully complete a Time Machine backup to my Time Capsule, where I also do Time Machine backups of my MacBook Air. The iMac was running El Capitan (couldn't upgrade it to a later Mac OS X because of its Early 2008 hardware). It no longer starts up (gets part way through and spontaneously tries a restart). It had some applications that aren't on my MacBook Air, that I would like to add to my MacBook Air. Is there an application/utility out there that can "Enter Time Machine" ; but, using the Time Machine backup from another computer? If not, Apple should create one (it would be very useful in cases like mine).
MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.14